Calling Up Justice had the profound honor of participating in StaceyFest, a transformative celebration dedicated to the memory and legacy of renowned disability justice advocate Stacey Park Milbern. Held on a sunny, beautiful day in Oakland (unceded Ohlone land), the event was a powerful expression of disability pride, culture, and community. Claudia Alick and Jesenia Delourdes represented Calling Up Justice, enjoying a day filled with connection, creativity, and solidarity. July 20 2024 Frank Ogawa Plaza.
StaceyFest is a project of the Disability Justice Culture Club and fiscally sponsored by the SPM Disability Justice Fund 501(c)(3). StaceyFest is a new disability justice culture festival and an opportunity to celebrate the memory and ongoing legacy of renowned disability justice advocate Stacey Park Milbern. This gathering created a safe and accessible environment for all attendees, thanks to a shared commitment to COVID safety protocols—a priority that fostered a deep sense of community care. The event embodied the spirit of collective safety, allowing participants to fully enjoy everything the festival had to offer.
Claudia and Jesenia visited all the booths, reconnecting with friends and allies, while immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of live performances by disabled artists of color. The festival was rich with art, music, and resources, highlighting the resilience and creativity of the disability justice movement. Calling Up Justice proudly displayed artwork from the Why Mask project, engaging with attendees and collecting photos for this ongoing initiative that emphasizes the importance of masking to protect vulnerable community members.
The day was filled with meaningful moments, from honoring the disabled ancestors at the community altar to exploring the Disability Resilience Fair, which offered valuable resources and pathways for further engagement. The main stage performances were particularly moving, with dancers, singers, musicians, and poets sharing their talents and stories in ways that celebrated both individuality and solidarity. Each element of the festival felt like a continuation of Stacey Park Milbern’s vision for disability justice—uplifting the voices, needs, and legacies of disabled people, particularly those of color.
StaceyFest is more than a one-time event. It is a tribute to Stacey’s spirit, her activism, and her unwavering belief in the power of community. In her honor, the festival was a joyful yet powerful reminder that disabled culture deserves to be celebrated, nurtured, and protected. We were deeply moved by the opportunity to be part of this historic event, to stand in solidarity with the Disability Justice Culture Club, and to celebrate the love and legacy of Stacey Park Milbern.
As we look ahead, we carry forward the lessons of StaceyFest—the importance of mutual care, accessibility, and justice—and we remain committed to advancing these values through our own work. We extend our deepest gratitude to the event organizers, performers, and community members for creating such a beautiful, affirming space.
StaceyFest is a project of the Disability Justice Culture Club (DJCC), a collective of disabled and neurodivergent queer people of color from East Oakland, and is fiscally sponsored by The SPM Disability Justice Fund. Together, they honor Stacey’s legacy while building a future grounded in disability justice.
Here’s to the ongoing work, the collective care, and the beautiful possibilities that come when we gather in the name of justice.